Information We Collect
When you visit the Historical Zoology Library, our servers automatically record routine log data. This includes your IP address, browser type and version, device identifiers, operating system, the pages you view, the time and date of your visit, and the referring website. We collect this information for operational purposes, such as diagnosing server issues and analysing aggregate traffic patterns.
You may also voluntarily send us messages through the contact form or email. Any personal information you include in such communications, such as your name and email address, is used solely to respond to your inquiry.
Site Preferences
We store certain preferences you set while browsing the catalogue, such as display options or reading settings. These are kept on your device and are not transmitted to us unless you choose to save them to your account (if you create one).
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We use:
- Essential cookies – required for basic site functions, such as remembering your session and preferences.
- Analytics cookies – where enabled, these help us understand how visitors interact with the catalogue. They collect aggregated data about page visits, navigation paths, and device types. We use a third-party analytics service that anonymises IP addresses.
- Advertising cookies – where displayed, we may use Google advertising services. Google and its partners may set cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other sites. These cookies enable interest-based advertising and measure ad performance.
Third-party advertisers and ad networks may also use web beacons (small invisible images) to track conversions and gather demographic data.
Purposes of Processing
We process your data for the following purposes:
- To operate and maintain the catalogue, ensuring reliable access to literary works.
- To improve the site’s usability and content based on aggregated usage patterns.
- To communicate with you if you contact us.
- To display relevant advertisements, if advertising is enabled on your visit.
- To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.
Service Providers
We engage limited third-party service providers who may access your personal data only to perform tasks on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, and advertising. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and may not use it for any other purpose.
Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, after which they are deleted or anonymised. Communications with you are kept for a reasonable period to address follow-up inquiries. Retention periods are determined by operational need and legal requirements.
Your Choices and Rights
You have several choices regarding your data:
- Browser controls – most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Please consult your browser’s help documentation for instructions. Note that blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
- Consent controls – where advertising cookies are used, you can manage your preferences through the cookie consent banner displayed on your first visit. You may withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your settings.
- Opt-out of interest-based advertising – you can opt out of Google’s use of cookies for personalised advertising by visiting Google Ad Settings. You may also opt out of third-party cookies through the Network Advertising Initiative.
- Access, correction, deletion – depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data. To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address below.
- Data portability – where applicable, you may request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used format.
We will respond to your request within the time frame required by applicable law.
Children’s Privacy
The catalogue is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal data.
International Access
This site is operated from Australia. If you access it from outside Australia, your data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the catalogue, you consent to such transfer. We take steps to ensure that your data receives an adequate level of protection.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a notice on the site. Your continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
contact us at [email protected].
This policy is part of our commitment to transparency and respect for your privacy.